Dan Fleming is Bradford Bulls' first new signing for 2015

CASTLEFORD prop Dan Fleming will join the Bulls on a two-year deal to become the club’s first new signing for next season.

After Lee Gaskell and Dale Ferguson agreed to stay at Odsal in the wake of the club’s relegation, Fleming will bolster Bradford's front row.

The 22-year-old, described as having “bags of potential” by head coach Jimmy Lowes, joined Castleford’s under-21s side in 2011 from Halifax.

Fleming was on dual-registration at Batley last season but also played 11 times for the Tigers’ first team and impressed enough to win a place in Wales' World Cup squad.

He also began this season in their Super League line-up, playing in Castleford’s opening-day win at Odsal, and has also appeared for York City Knights.

With Manase Manuokafoa and Jamal Fakir poised to leave Bradford at the end of the season, Halifax-born Fleming said: “This is a massive opportunity for me and I cannot wait to get started.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with Castleford but am really excited about the prospect of playing for the Bulls, in what will be a really challenging season in 2015.

“I’m up for helping Bradford get back to where they belong and that will all start in pre-season, which I am sure will come around quick.

“I’m looking forward to working under James Lowes and would like to thank him and the club for the chance they have provided me with.

“I have Championship experience, having played with Batley, and I have made a fair few appearances in Super League.

“I believe I can build on all of that with the Bulls, so I will be aiming to have a good off season in order to put myself in the frame for selection next year.”

Lowes, who will be missing Matt Diskin, Chev Walker and Oliver Roberts for Sunday’s visit of Wigan, said: “Dan is a talented young forward with bags of potential and we are delighted to have him on board.

“I believe he can have a good future here at the Bulls as he certainly has all of the necessary attributes to go far.

“He has had experience as an international and in the Super League and Championship, which will prove very beneficial.”

The Bulls are also set to announce another new signing on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Super League clubs could be playing for bonus points under the radical new structure for the domestic game in 2015.

It was also revealed yesterday that, if a decision is made to bring in a two-referee system in 2015 following trials that are currently taking place in academy matches, it will be used in the top two divisions.

It was also confirmed that the maximum penalty for clubs going into administration will be doubled to 12 points from next season.

The new Super League season is due to start on the weekend of February 8, with the Championship campaign starting a week later.

* Meanwhile, the Bulls' Under-19s side lost 23-22 at home to Castleford last night after the visitors landed a last-gasp drop-goal.

Comments (9)

I am told he is a decent young prop who could go a long way in the game. I had heard about this a few days ago from someone who sees him regularly and likes the look of him. He is still young though and needs to develop like all young props. If we are going to build a new squad for the future this type of player is what we need with a mixture of seasoned players as well. Good start to the re-building - but a long way to go in the next month or so.

I am told he is a decent young prop who could go a long way in the game. I had heard about this a few days ago from someone who sees him regularly and likes the look of him. He is still young though and needs to develop like all young props. If we are going to build a new squad for the future this type of player is what we need with a mixture of seasoned players as well. Good start to the re-building - but a long way to go in the next month or so.bully4us

Seems to fit the bill nicely. Although we do need plenty more props, as at present we only have Bates and Sidlow (presuming they are both sticking around)...

Losing Fakir and Nas is all well and good but we need some rough and tough props to replace them. Blokes that can dominate the opposition packs and really get the team on a roll. That said I have faith that Jimmy and Ferres know what they need, just a matter of making the right offer.

I am quietly optimistic that we can bounce back up at the first time of asking, the question will be will we be able to stay up for a significant amount of time? This new structure may see teams yo yo from one division to another on an annual basis, the task will be avoiding that fate as it will not help the club at all.

Seems to fit the bill nicely. Although we do need plenty more props, as at present we only have Bates and Sidlow (presuming they are both sticking around)...
Losing Fakir and Nas is all well and good but we need some rough and tough props to replace them. Blokes that can dominate the opposition packs and really get the team on a roll. That said I have faith that Jimmy and Ferres know what they need, just a matter of making the right offer.
I am quietly optimistic that we can bounce back up at the first time of asking, the question will be will we be able to stay up for a significant amount of time? This new structure may see teams yo yo from one division to another on an annual basis, the task will be avoiding that fate as it will not help the club at all.Bullmaniac

Bullmaniac wrote:
Seems to fit the bill nicely. Although we do need plenty more props, as at present we only have Bates and Sidlow (presuming they are both sticking around)...

Losing Fakir and Nas is all well and good but we need some rough and tough props to replace them. Blokes that can dominate the opposition packs and really get the team on a roll. That said I have faith that Jimmy and Ferres know what they need, just a matter of making the right offer.

I am quietly optimistic that we can bounce back up at the first time of asking, the question will be will we be able to stay up for a significant amount of time? This new structure may see teams yo yo from one division to another on an annual basis, the task will be avoiding that fate as it will not help the club at all.

Losing nas is about weighing up the pro and cons ,personally the pro s of saving a big earner out weigh the cons of a mediocre prop leaving.

I'm sure we will get better value from a.n. other

[quote][p][bold]Bullmaniac[/bold] wrote:
Seems to fit the bill nicely. Although we do need plenty more props, as at present we only have Bates and Sidlow (presuming they are both sticking around)...
Losing Fakir and Nas is all well and good but we need some rough and tough props to replace them. Blokes that can dominate the opposition packs and really get the team on a roll. That said I have faith that Jimmy and Ferres know what they need, just a matter of making the right offer.
I am quietly optimistic that we can bounce back up at the first time of asking, the question will be will we be able to stay up for a significant amount of time? This new structure may see teams yo yo from one division to another on an annual basis, the task will be avoiding that fate as it will not help the club at all.[/p][/quote]Losing nas is about weighing up the pro and cons ,personally the pro s of saving a big earner out weigh the cons of a mediocre prop leaving.
I'm sure we will get better value from a.n. other1964gc

Bullmaniac wrote:
Seems to fit the bill nicely. Although we do need plenty more props, as at present we only have Bates and Sidlow (presuming they are both sticking around)...

Losing Fakir and Nas is all well and good but we need some rough and tough props to replace them. Blokes that can dominate the opposition packs and really get the team on a roll. That said I have faith that Jimmy and Ferres know what they need, just a matter of making the right offer.

I am quietly optimistic that we can bounce back up at the first time of asking, the question will be will we be able to stay up for a significant amount of time? This new structure may see teams yo yo from one division to another on an annual basis, the task will be avoiding that fate as it will not help the club at all.

Losing nas is about weighing up the pro and cons ,personally the pro s of saving a big earner out weigh the cons of a mediocre prop leaving.

I'm sure we will get better value from a.n. other

I'm almost certain you are right, the money saved could be spent more wisely. Not sure if this lad is classed as a homegrown player as he came through the scholarship system, but he's young, british and hopefully as the desire to succeed. The early days of the Bulls success (so mid to late 90s) was built on signing what were essentially other club's cast offs and turning them into a winning outfit. This was done with good management both on and off the field, whilst also ensuring that we didn't break the bank by signing marquee players who failed to produce the goods. Really the list is endless of the 'rejects' that turned out to be class players - Anderson, Forshaw, Peacock, Withers, Matt Calland, Scott Naylor, Jimmy Lowes, Brian McDermott... the list is endless.

Whilst signing big names like Vainikolo and Henry Paul have helped the Bulls hit the heights and bring in plenty of silverware it is the early days that we must replicate if we are to obnce again be a force to be reckoned with.

[quote][p][bold]1964gc[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bullmaniac[/bold] wrote:
Seems to fit the bill nicely. Although we do need plenty more props, as at present we only have Bates and Sidlow (presuming they are both sticking around)...
Losing Fakir and Nas is all well and good but we need some rough and tough props to replace them. Blokes that can dominate the opposition packs and really get the team on a roll. That said I have faith that Jimmy and Ferres know what they need, just a matter of making the right offer.
I am quietly optimistic that we can bounce back up at the first time of asking, the question will be will we be able to stay up for a significant amount of time? This new structure may see teams yo yo from one division to another on an annual basis, the task will be avoiding that fate as it will not help the club at all.[/p][/quote]Losing nas is about weighing up the pro and cons ,personally the pro s of saving a big earner out weigh the cons of a mediocre prop leaving.
I'm sure we will get better value from a.n. other[/p][/quote]I'm almost certain you are right, the money saved could be spent more wisely. Not sure if this lad is classed as a homegrown player as he came through the scholarship system, but he's young, british and hopefully as the desire to succeed. The early days of the Bulls success (so mid to late 90s) was built on signing what were essentially other club's cast offs and turning them into a winning outfit. This was done with good management both on and off the field, whilst also ensuring that we didn't break the bank by signing marquee players who failed to produce the goods. Really the list is endless of the 'rejects' that turned out to be class players - Anderson, Forshaw, Peacock, Withers, Matt Calland, Scott Naylor, Jimmy Lowes, Brian McDermott... the list is endless.
Whilst signing big names like Vainikolo and Henry Paul have helped the Bulls hit the heights and bring in plenty of silverware it is the early days that we must replicate if we are to obnce again be a force to be reckoned with.Bullmaniac

People like you are why the Whinos are the most hatred team in rugby league. It's not just whiny KeV and the others, it's the total idiot, ex-soccer, nobhead fans.

There are some decent Leeds fans, but they get a bad name because of idiots like you. Let's hope Leeds united get promoted, then hopefully the scumbags will go back to supporting them.

[quote][p][bold]Worstbus[/bold] wrote:
Fool.
FOYB!!![/p][/quote]People like you are why the Whinos are the most hatred team in rugby league. It's not just whiny KeV and the others, it's the total idiot, ex-soccer, nobhead fans.
There are some decent Leeds fans, but they get a bad name because of idiots like you. Let's hope Leeds united get promoted, then hopefully the scumbags will go back to supporting them.Bone_idle18